First-Year Convocation for Freshmen on Sept. 4

Rhode Island College will welcome freshmen into the academic community in a special First-Year Convocation on Sept. 4. The convocation will begin at 12:30, but students and faculty should check in between noon and 12:30 in the Quad in front of Murray. All freshmen are expected to participate. Members of the campus community are also welcome.

Hosted by Holly Shadoian, assistant vice president for academic affairs, and Scott Kane, dean of students, the program will begin with greetings from RIC President Nancy Carriuolo and a welcome from the president of Student Community Government, Hillary Costa.

English Professor Russell Potter, known by his students as a witty and engaging speaker, was chosen from a select number of faculty nominated to deliver the keynote address. The address will touch on this year’s Open Books – Open Minds common book selection, “PYM,” and how the text’s themes apply to first-year students, such as the discovery of who you are, the exploration of unknown territory and the issues of identity and race. Potter’s talk is entitled “The Ends of Our Exploring.”

Faculty who nominated Potter described him as “entertaining” and as a teacher known for “his lively speaking style and immersion in scholarship related to ‘PYM.’”

Following the convocation, there will be a social event in front of Donovan Dining Center. Five tents will be set up, representing each of the academic schools, where freshmen will have the opportunity to connect with their classmates and faculty in their field of interest.

“We want to help new freshmen make early connections with faculty in their intended field of study,” said Shadoian. It is also a great time for undeclared students to mingle with faculty in all five schools and explore.”

Special RIC silicone wristbands in the academic colors of each of the five schools will make it easy for students and faculty to identify one another:

Arts and Sciences (FAS) White wristband

Social Work (SSW) Citron wristband

Education (FSEHD) Blue wristband

Nursing (SON) Apricot wristband

Undeclared Burgundy wristband

Management (SOM) Taupe wristband

Students will also use their wristband as a “ticket” to taste RIC’s new signature Gold & White ice cream treat rumored to be “RIC-alicious.” Finally they will also be asked to take part in RIC’s good luck tradition. The college anchor displayed on the Quad has been an important symbol to Rhode Island College for 80 years. Legend has it that rubbing the RIC anchor brings academic success to first-year students. Freshmen are encouraged to start their year with a little luck and visit the anchor.